HEADNOTE
A brief summary of a legal rule or a significant fact
in a case that, among other headnotes that apply to
the case, precedes the full text opinion printed in
the reports or reporters. A syllabus to a reported
case that summarizes the points decided in the case
and is placed before the text of the opinion.
Each jurisdiction usually determines
whether headnotes are part of the law or only an
editorial device to facilitate research.Most head-
notes are included by private publishers and do
not constitute a part of an opinion. The most
notable publisher that employs headnotes is the
West Group in the National Reporter System,
which publishes cases from practically every
jurisdiction. Use of headnotes in the National
Reporter System is generally consistent, regard-
less of the jurisdiction. The Reporter of Deci-
sions for the United States Supreme Court also
prepares a syllabus for Supreme Court decisions,
when feasible, at the time an opinion is issued.
The syllabus summarizes the points of law
addressed in each case, but does not constitute a
part of the opinion and does not constitute
